Hop to it, Dog Lovers: These Chicago Breweries Welcome Dogs Indoors

Hey, Chicago! We’re stoked to be in your town, woofing about all the dog-friendly breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, and more in your fair city. Introduce your pup in our Chicago Facebook group so we can start getting to know each other. Our pack can’t wait to bring you the best deets on dog-friendly life in the Windy City!

The calendar may say spring, but patio season is still in the distance. Luckily, you don’t have to wait til temps rise to enjoy a drink with your doggo — Chicago is home to several pup-friendly craft breweries!

Note: Most breweries require that your dog remains leashed. Some prefer that you keep your dog off the furniture, so be sure to ask before your dog saddles up to the bar like she owns the place.

Recent host of a VIP Party for #pugstakechicago (one local Pug recommended the Pleasure Trip Blonde), South Loop’s Vice District boasts an intimate, industrial atmosphere and BYOF (food) policy. Founded on core values of diversity and inclusion, the microbrewery prides itself on building community over a common Chicago identity. It features both adult and family oriented board games, so even families with young pups can get in on the fun.

This hidden gem is nestled into Chicago’s famed Motor Row Historic Landmark District. An exposed brick and stainless steel aesthetic serve as a love letter to a bygone era, and the owners’ meticulous preservation process won a prestigious award. Working dogs will appreciate its rugged vibe; all dogs will appreciate the free popcorn.

The crew at Empirical is just like us: they love beer, and they love animals. A feral colony of working (and tweeting) cats from Treehouse Humane Society keep things running smoothly on the brew side of things so dogs and their humans can enjoy the fruits of their labor in the taproom. Bonus: there’s an actual parking lot, and it’s free.

Low Rez Brewing (map)
Hailed as a “great place to pet other people’s dogs,” Lo Rez has quickly expanded its loyal canine following since opening their new taproom earlier this year. Known for its kind, knowledgeable staff and creative beers with names lovingly selected by its tech-expat owners, Lo Rez is a thoughtful, fun addition to the neighborhood’s growing brew scene.

Featuring a number of politically charged beers like Very Stable Genius (a bigly Belgian-style beer) and Bigger Button (an American Blonde Ale), the North Side brewery aims to bring drinkers and dogs together for conversation. One reviewer describes Alarmist as catering to “dog lovers, cat apologists,[and] those who have dogs with beards.” And there’s plenty of parking.

Whiner Beer Co. (map)
Located in former meatpacking plant turned vertical garden and net-zero business incubator The Plant, Whiner’s progressive practices and reputation for being “dog friendly and delighted at the idea of your and your pup coming by” have been winning hearts since they opened in 2016. A Back of the Yards diamond in the rough dripping in globe lights, the brewery can wow human and canine fans on looks alone.